Alligator Alley Encounter
Traveling home to see my family
Spanish moss hangs from trees eerily
I step on the gas; the car starts to shake
So I pull over, pressing on the brake
Here in the darkness I am all alone
No satellite near for this useless cell phone
Few will drive through Alligator Alley
Reptiles and panthers are not too friendly
Hours pass as I sit still, locked in my car
Green eyes from the swamp peer at me from afar
A tire iron I grab at the break of day
As the mystery of night fades away
When the fog lifts, a sign comes into view
After such a night I wish that I knew
A gas station exit is just feet away
Though overnight my hair had turned gray
No gators or pythons had threatened me
The danger I’d sensed was but fantasy
But look, a crocodile crosses the road
Seems I’d parked next to his slimy abode
He sees me, stares and just goes on his way
Scary possibilities in my head play
Carefully I walk up to the exit
My legs are still shaking I must admit
The station is closed; boas hug the gas pumps
My arms are suddenly rife with goose bumps
But then I hear the sound of an airboat
My chance of rescue no longer remote
It’s the marine patrol; now I’m secure
All nasty fears had been premature
But he turns his face; it’s Michael Myers!
This is the savior Florida hires?!!
I run back to my car, but standing there
Is a burly man with a mechanic’s flare
He’d already popped the hood, fixed the car
Quickly I speed from this swamp so bizarre
*Written by Carolyn Devonshire for Gayle’s “Stranded” contest
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